Scotch Plains Community Mourns the Heartbreaking Loss of Beloved Kean University Assistant Soccer Coach

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — The town of Scotch Plains and the wider collegiate athletics community across New Jersey are in deep mourning following the sudden and tragic passing of Joseph Colodne, a respected assistant coach for the Kean University women’s soccer program. His death, confirmed earlier this week, has left behind an outpouring of grief and disbelief among students, colleagues, family, and friends. Widely regarded as a mentor, motivator, and steady guiding force, Colodne’s absence has created a void that feels unfillable for many who knew him both on and off the field.

While the cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed, the shock surrounding his untimely passing has reverberated far beyond the athletic department, reaching into local schools, clubs, community spaces, and the wider network of families and student-athletes who had the privilege of knowing him. What remains now is a collective remembrance of a man whose passion for soccer was matched only by his compassion for people.

A Coach, A Mentor, A Friend

Joseph Colodne was not just a soccer coach—he was a mentor and confidant whose presence inspired countless young athletes to be better, both as players and as people. At Kean University, where he served as an assistant coach for the women’s soccer team, his influence extended far beyond tactical strategy or athletic conditioning. He invested deeply in the lives of his players, forming genuine connections and offering the kind of support that far outlasts a season.

“He believed in me before I believed in myself,” one player wrote in an emotional tribute posted online. “Coach Colodne wasn’t just someone who showed up to practices. He showed up in life. He always knew the right words when you were struggling and celebrated every small victory like it was a championship.”

His players speak of the long hours he dedicated to training sessions, the extra drills he stayed behind to run, the words of encouragement he offered after losses, and the pride he showed in their growth, not only as athletes but as young adults navigating college life. He was a steady presence—calm, consistent, and warm—especially during high-stress moments when his players needed reassurance.

Deep Roots in the Community

Born and raised in New Jersey, Colodne was a deeply embedded member of the Scotch Plains community. Long before joining the coaching staff at Kean University, he had spent years volunteering in youth sports programs, mentoring aspiring soccer players at local academies, and organizing community fitness events. His passion for mentoring and his talent for connecting with others made him a beloved figure across generations.

Whether it was coaching a recreational youth team, speaking at local high school events, or simply being a friendly face at the local coffee shop, Colodne was well-known in the town not just as a coach, but as a kind-hearted neighbor, friend, and civic supporter.

“He had this rare ability to make everyone feel seen,” a former neighbor shared. “Even if you didn’t know him well, his smile made you feel welcome. He was always asking how people were doing—and he really meant it.”

For many, his death has felt intensely personal. Messages of mourning have filled local message boards and social media timelines: stories of how he once coached someone’s son, offered career advice, or helped a young athlete rediscover their confidence after an injury. These recollections form a collective memory of a man who consistently put others before himself.

Devotion to the Game and His Team

Colodne’s passion for soccer went far beyond the field. He viewed the game as a metaphor for life—one that taught perseverance, communication, teamwork, and discipline. At Kean University, he was known for focusing on player development in all dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, and academic. For him, success wasn’t just about winning—it was about growth.

His coaching style was encouraging and empowering. He pushed players to do better not by instilling fear, but by believing in their ability to rise to the occasion. He celebrated effort, emphasized integrity, and modeled respect. Under his guidance, many players thrived, finding in themselves a sense of purpose, direction, and strength.

“Coach taught us to love the game, but also to love ourselves through the game,” said another team member. “He reminded us that how we carried ourselves off the field was just as important as how we performed on it.”

He was also a mentor to his fellow coaching staff, often described as generous with his time, loyal to his team, and unwavering in his professionalism. His guidance extended to assistant coaches, athletic trainers, and university staff, who respected his insight and his dedication to the collective mission of student-athlete success.

Shockwaves Across Campus

News of Colodne’s passing sent shockwaves through the Kean University campus, where grief counseling was quickly made available to both players and staff. The athletic department released a statement honoring his contributions and expressing condolences to his family, teammates, and the broader campus community.

The women’s soccer team, deeply shaken by the loss, held a private team meeting to process the news together. The locker room, typically a place of energy and anticipation, became a space of reflection and remembrance. In a quiet corner, players placed flowers, a framed photo of their coach, and messages of love and gratitude.

Classes and practices were temporarily paused, and a candlelight vigil was organized on campus grounds. Hundreds of students, faculty, alumni, and residents attended. They stood in silence, tears in their eyes, as speakers recounted stories of kindness, mentorship, and passion that defined Colodne’s life.

The University’s flags were lowered to half-staff, and plans are already in motion to host a formal memorial service and a tribute match in his honor later this season.

Tributes from All Corners

Across New Jersey, and even further afield, tributes have poured in. High schools and colleges where Colodne once coached or held workshops have shared heartfelt messages on their platforms. Former players, now adults raising families or working in professional spheres, have reached out to share how Colodne helped shape their lives.

“He taught me to fight for what I believed in, both on and off the field,” wrote one alum. “I carry his lessons into my life every day.”

Local officials and athletic organizations have also acknowledged the loss. A youth soccer league in Scotch Plains has announced that their summer tournament will now be dedicated in Colodne’s memory, renaming it to reflect his legacy of empowerment and excellence.

For many, these tributes are not just about mourning—they’re about preserving the example he set and the love he gave so freely.

A Family and Town in Grief

While the public continues to remember Colodne’s public achievements and widespread influence, the private grief of his family is immeasurable. The suddenness of his passing has left a chasm in their lives that no accolade or tribute can fill.

Those close to the family have expressed gratitude for the support being shown, asking that the community continue to uplift one another during this incredibly difficult time. Meal trains, memorial funds, and support groups have been formed as neighbors and colleagues rally around those closest to Colodne.

“This is a family man who gave so much to our town, and now it’s our turn to give back,” one resident shared. “Not because he asked for it, but because he earned it through love, dedication, and selflessness.”

Honoring His Legacy

In the wake of this tragedy, many are already working to ensure that Colodne’s legacy continues to uplift others. A scholarship fund is being established in his name at Kean University, aimed at supporting young athletes who demonstrate the same compassion, leadership, and commitment to service that Colodne exemplified.

Additionally, members of the women’s soccer team are organizing an annual “Colodne Leadership Award,” to be given each year to a teammate who shows exceptional heart, sportsmanship, and team spirit.

Through these ongoing efforts, those who loved and admired Colodne are channeling their grief into meaningful acts of remembrance—determined to keep his spirit alive in the values and passions he championed.

A Final Whistle, But Not the End

Though Joseph Colodne’s time in this world was cut tragically short, the impact he made remains deeply rooted in the lives of those he touched. In locker rooms, in classrooms, on sidelines, and in the hearts of so many, his presence will continue to echo.

He was a coach, but more than that—he was a nurturer of potential, a protector of dreams, and a friend to those who needed it most.

As the Scotch Plains community continues to mourn, they do so with a shared understanding: that to have known Joseph Colodne was to have witnessed the best of what humanity has to offer.

Memorial services and tribute events in honor of Coach Colodne will be announced by Kean University and the Scotch Plains community in the coming days. A scholarship fund and community initiatives will be shared as details become available.